Bucs sign paralyzed DT LeGrand

Wednesday

May 2, 2012 at 10:00 AMMay 2, 2012 at 10:16 AM

TAMPA, Fla. — Paralyzed defensive tackle Eric LeGrand has been signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Associated Press

TAMPA, Fla. — Paralyzed defensive tackle Eric LeGrand has been signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. LeGrand broke two vertebrae and suffered a serious spinal cord injury on Oct. 16, 2010 during a kickoff return against Army. His coach at Rutgers then, Greg Schiano, now is coach of the Bucs. LeGrand became an inspiration to the Scarlet Knights, eventually being able to stand upright with the help of a metal frame. He resumed his studies via video conferences for the 2011 spring semester, and on Oct. 29, 2011, led the team onto the field before a game. He also has done some broadcast work for the school. Schiano called the signing a “small gesture ... to recognize his character, spirit and perseverance.” LeGrand is on pace to graduate from Rutgers in the fall.

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